Survey results reveal damaging impact of the Mayor of London's ULEZ plans on Hillingdon

Thursday 27 April 2023: Hillingdon Council's boroughwide survey into the probable impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion has provided a snapshot of the detrimental effects it would have on the borough's residents and businesses.

ULEZ sign
The ​​​​​​​questionnaire, which ran from Wednesday 1 March and Sunday 16 April, was responded to by more than 11,500 people.  

More than 90 per cent of the people surveyed by the authority with non-ULEZ-compliant vehicles do not qualify for the Mayor of London's scrappage scheme.  

The survey found that 55 per cent of respondents had a vehicle that was non-compliant (6,291). Of those, 85 per cent (5,359) said they would not be applying for the scrappage scheme, with 91 per cent (4,859) not eligible.   

Cllr Douglas Mills, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: "These results confirm our worst fears and show that the number of residents who would be impacted by ULEZ expansion is much higher than claimed by the Mayor of London and Transport for London. 

"Of particular concern is the feedback that more than 90 per cent of our residents with non-compliant vehicles don't even qualify for the Mayor's limited scrappage scheme. 

"In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and with increases to household spending, the results demonstrate how our residents who need their car to commute, do the school run or visit loved ones, and traders who rely on a vehicle for their business, will be adversely affected. 

"The social and economic costs are going to leave many residents isolated, worse off and with a transport system that fails to meet the needs of our large physical borough.  

"We will continue to challenge ULEZ, which is a key priority for us, and we hope that the courts rightfully find in our favour." 

For more information about ULEZ and what the council is doing to oppose the plans, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ULEZ.

Page last updated: 15 Feb 2024